ACT to invest $1.8m in Indigenous Allied Health Academy
Indigenous Allied Health Australia (IAHA) has welcomed the ACT Government’s commitment in the 2026–27 Budget to co-invest in the IAHA ACT Health Academy — a significant program building the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workforce pipeline in the ACT.
The ACT Government has announced $1.873 million over four years from 2026–27 to sustain the IAHA ACT Health Academy program, supporting 30 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander high school students to undertake an Australian School-based Apprenticeship Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance annually in partnership with the Canberra Institute of Technology.
IAHA Chief Executive Officer Donna Murray said the investment reflected a genuine understanding of the critical need for an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, wellbeing, and community services workforce across the ACT and surrounding regions.
“Our workforce plays a vital role in improving long-term health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, families and communities,” she said.
“The IAHA ACT Health Academy creates culturally safe and meaningful pathways into health-related careers for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people, while keeping them connected to culture and community.
‘Whole-of-government effort’
“This ACT Government investment is a co-contribution that helps sustain a highly successful program, and we are grateful for the Territory’s ongoing partnership and commitment in growing our workforce.
“This makes the ACT the first and only State or Territory government among our four operating jurisdictions to provide direct co-investment alongside the Commonwealth to support their future local workforce.
“The Academy is a whole-of-government effort. Commonwealth investment remains essential, and we call on all governments to continue working with IAHA to ensure long-term, sustainable funding for this program in the ACT and across jurisdictions.”
